What's the build date? Friday or Monday

For me the fix was simple - put a washer underneath that ramp's left screw there. Solid now for me damn near every time whereas it was about 50/50 prior.

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Man those 2 pics look very diff'rent! Why does the OPs look like the metal was put on a Grinder?

It may not be the misalignment of the ramp. Well a part of the problem, but could be like TheLaw said: the cut of the metal ramp with a grinder. Wow looks like from two different companies or same company two different shifts.

That junk around the edge wipes off - mine looked the same before some elbow grease

We are all struggling with the Success rate for launch of the ball, and there are a few things folks have tried to help. The washer trick is one of the most successful mods which seems to help.

Related, I think Stern knew this area was a problem as theY mysteriously ship all machines with a weaker GREEN spring, rather that the ORANGE one in their specification. I can’t help but believe that they tried to increase ball launch success by removing some of the power of the shooter.

Or just coincidence?

Why does it look like the metal fits so poorly in the routed out wood? Are all new Sterns like this?

Do a slow motion video of the ball launch. That will help you out a lot. I had a bent ball guide that made the ball ricochet on a kiss once. Slo mo helped me out big time. Good luck!